Happiness upgrade… Stand like Wonder Woman

If you're feeling worried and anxious, say before you have to go to a meeting at work, or give a talk - try doing the Power Pose. According to researchers, simply by standing up straight, putting our chests out and our hands on our hips - like Wonder Woman - we will change our body chemistry in a way that makes us feel more confident and strong.

If you're feeling worried and anxious, say before you have to go to a meeting at work, or give a talk - try doing the Power Pose. According to researchers, simply by standing up straight, putting our chests out and our hands on our hips - like Wonder Woman - we will change our body chemistry in a way that makes us feel more confident and strong.

In particular, it adjusts the levels of testosterone and cortisol in our brain, in a way that actually changes our mood and makes us more likely to perform well. In her famous TED talk, social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that by changing our body language we can change the way we feel to a surprisingly powerful degree. So next time you're feeling nervous, stand like Wonder Woman for two minutes. You'll feel like an idiot, of course, but a confident idiot is better than a nervous wreck. And while you're in meetings, make sure your posture is open and relaxed - don't cross your legs, slump or cross your arms over your chest - it only signals to the world, and to yourself, that you're scared. By putting your arms behind your head or leaning back, however, you're making it clear that you are the boss. Oh yes.